Must try
Local speciality
Asia / India
Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, blends ancient Dravidian temples, colonial heritage, and vibrant beaches with modern shopping and fine vegetarian dining, making it a culturally rich coastal destination.
- Ideal stay
- 5 Days
- Best season
- October to March
- From
- $870–$4,710 pp
The place
About this destination
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, blends ancient Dravidian temples, colonial heritage, and vibrant beaches with modern shopping and fine vegetarian dining, making it a culturally rich coastal destination.
My experience
This is Rachana's own 5-day itinerary for Chennai, India — the version she'd plan for a close friend. Expect a considered day-by-day plan, the stays worth booking, and the small details that make a trip feel effortless. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
LuxuryBeaches & IslandsCity Break
Through the lens · 6 frames
Photo journal
01
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 01
Arrival & Marina Beach
- 01Morning: Check-in and relax at your hotel.
- 02Afternoon: Visit Marina Beach (world’s second-longest urban beach) & Santhome Cathedral Basilica (beautiful Neo-Gothic church).
- 03Evening: Stroll Marina promenade, watch the sunset, try local veg beach snacks like sundal & molaga bajji.
- 04Local: Ratna Café – legendary sambar idlis.
- 05International (veg options): Flower Drum – excellent vegetarian Chinese.
Day 02
Temples & Heritage
- 01Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore) – iconic Dravidian architecture.
- 02Sri Parthasarathy Temple (Triplicane) – one of Chennai’s oldest Vishnu temples.
- 03Afternoon: Explore Government Museum & Bronze Gallery for art and Chola bronzes.
- 04Evening: Attend a Bharatanatyam/Carnatic music recital (seasonal, Dec–Jan best).
- 05Local: Mylai Karpagambal Mess – authentic Tamil meals.
- 06International: Benjarong – fine Thai cuisine with vegetarian options.
Day 03
Mahabalipuram Day Trip
- 01(Approx. 1.5 hrs drive from Chennai – UNESCO heritage site)
- 02Morning: Explore Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas.
- 03Afternoon: Lunch at a veg-friendly restaurant in Mahabalipuram.
- 04Evening: Return to Chennai, relax at Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar).
- 05Local: Sangeetha Veg Restaurant (Mahabalipuram branch) – reliable South Indian veg meals.
- 06International (back in Chennai): Bay View, Taj Fisherman’s Cove – sea-view dining with good vegetarian choices.
Day 04
Shopping & Modern Chennai
- 01Morning: Shop at T. Nagar (Nalli Silks, Pothys, Kumaran Silks) – famous for sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- 02Afternoon: Visit Express Avenue Mall or Phoenix MarketCity for global brands and modern shopping.
- 03Evening: Walk through Semmozhi Poonga Gardens or take a heritage walk in Georgetown.
- 04Local: Murugan Idli Shop – ghee podi idlis, sweet pongal, jigarthanda.
- 05International: Cream Centre – global vegetarian (Italian, Mexican, Indian fusion).
Day 05
Spiritual & Leisurely Wrap-Up
- 01Morning: Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple or Ashtalakshmi Temple (Besant Nagar).
- 02Afternoon: Relax with a spa session at your hotel.
- 03Evening: Sunset at Broken Bridge, Adyar, finish with a strong filter coffee.
- 04Local: Saravana Bhavan (Anna Salai) – world-famous vegetarian chain from Chennai.
- 05International: Ottimo, ITC Grand Chola – fine Italian dining with vegetarian options.
- 06Best Hotels to Stay
- 071. ITC Grand Chola (Guindy) – Heritage-inspired luxury, has Royal Vega (pure vegetarian royal cuisine).
- 082. Taj Coromandel (Nungambakkam) – Iconic city hotel, central, with Southern Spice (veg thalis, South Indian fine dining).
- 09Where to Shop
- 10Traditional: T. Nagar (sarees, silk, gold jewelry – Nalli, Pothys, Kumaran Silks).
- 11Handicrafts: Kalakshetra & Victoria Technical Institute (art, brassware, crafts).
- 12Modern: Phoenix MarketCity & Express Avenue Mall (global + Indian brands).
- 13Local Treats: Sri Krishna Sweets (for Mysurpa), Adyar Ananda Bhavan (for snacks).
What to order
Local cuisine
Must try
Local speciality
Veg biryani
Must try
Local speciality
Masala dosa
Must try
Local speciality
Veg thali
Must try
Local speciality
Chole bhature
Must try
Local speciality
Gulab jamun
04
Logistics
Getting there & around
01 · Seaplane / speedboat transfers
Resorts are reached by scenic seaplane or private speedboat from the main airport.
02 · On-island
Buggies, bicycles or on foot — distances are short and unhurried.
03 · Airport arrival
A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.
The numbers
Budget breakdown
Total · per person
$870–$4,710 pp
USD
Breakdown
- Accommodation
- $120–$600 / night
- Food & dining
- $22–$132 / day
- Transportation
- $14–$90 / day
- Activities
- $18–$120 / day
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